sbp
07-06-2002, 02:29 PM
Charlie Daniels wanted to perform "The Last Fallen Hero" a tribute to the folks who lost their lives on 9/11. PBS didn't want the song performed though. Smells like another Toby Keith (http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45624) situation.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21970-2002Jul3.html
It's America's biggest birthday party, with Charlie Daniels cordially disinvited.
"A Capitol Fourth," the government-endowed concert that is routinely vanilla in flavor but swathed in red, white and blue, has severed its contract with one of America's most patriotic sons and his boogie, blues and country Charlie Daniels Band.
The argument is over "The Last Fallen Hero" -- a rousing anthem that commemorates the events of Sept. 11 and calls for action against the "cowards [who] came by morning, and attacked without a warning."
Daniels was originally slated to play 12 minutes at today's Capitol Hill extravaganza of teenage wonders and veteran stars. But he was cut from the roster after insisting on a change to his set list, which was supposed to include any combination of approved hits such as "Talk to Me Fiddle," "Orange Blossom Special" and "Boogie Woogie Fiddle Country Blues."
Each side has its story, but everyone agrees that the conflict centers on Daniels's desire to alter that list and perform "Hero," his new single, which also appears on his upcoming album, "Redneck Fiddlin' Man."
Concert organizers opposed the change. "We didn't think the song was appropriate for us," said Jerry Colbert, executive producer of "A Capitol Fourth" for more than 20 years. "We didn't think it was a very good song, either."
Plenty of fans disagree. The band's Web site chat room is filled with support for the track, which can be heard at www.charliedaniels.com
Daniels said yesterday that he believes the opposition is fueled by "political correctness," but he argues that "this song doesn't offend anyone -- except Osama bin Laden."
Among the lyrics:
Lead on, red, white and blue
And we will follow you until we win the final victory
God help us do our best, we will not slack or rest
Till the last fallen hero rests in peace
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21970-2002Jul3.html
It's America's biggest birthday party, with Charlie Daniels cordially disinvited.
"A Capitol Fourth," the government-endowed concert that is routinely vanilla in flavor but swathed in red, white and blue, has severed its contract with one of America's most patriotic sons and his boogie, blues and country Charlie Daniels Band.
The argument is over "The Last Fallen Hero" -- a rousing anthem that commemorates the events of Sept. 11 and calls for action against the "cowards [who] came by morning, and attacked without a warning."
Daniels was originally slated to play 12 minutes at today's Capitol Hill extravaganza of teenage wonders and veteran stars. But he was cut from the roster after insisting on a change to his set list, which was supposed to include any combination of approved hits such as "Talk to Me Fiddle," "Orange Blossom Special" and "Boogie Woogie Fiddle Country Blues."
Each side has its story, but everyone agrees that the conflict centers on Daniels's desire to alter that list and perform "Hero," his new single, which also appears on his upcoming album, "Redneck Fiddlin' Man."
Concert organizers opposed the change. "We didn't think the song was appropriate for us," said Jerry Colbert, executive producer of "A Capitol Fourth" for more than 20 years. "We didn't think it was a very good song, either."
Plenty of fans disagree. The band's Web site chat room is filled with support for the track, which can be heard at www.charliedaniels.com
Daniels said yesterday that he believes the opposition is fueled by "political correctness," but he argues that "this song doesn't offend anyone -- except Osama bin Laden."
Among the lyrics:
Lead on, red, white and blue
And we will follow you until we win the final victory
God help us do our best, we will not slack or rest
Till the last fallen hero rests in peace